The Fragrance of Old Pears (French edition) by Ewald Arenz | Le Livre de poche

The Scent of Old Pears (French Edition), written by Ewald Arenz and published by Le Livre de poche, is a poignant novel that immerses us in the intimate world of two women who, at first glance, seem completely different.

Sally, only seventeen years old, is a teenager at odds with the world. A runaway, she carries immense pain, marked by anorexia and a deep resentment towards society. On the other hand, Liss, a fifty-year-old woman, lives alone, surrounded by the calming silence of the fields and manual labor.

When Liss offers shelter to Sally, she has no idea she is opening a new chapter of her life. Sally, on her part, was supposed to stay just one night. Yet, she finds in Liss a refuge she had never known, far from the judgments and questions that have always weighed her down. This unexpected cohabitation turns into a deep relationship, marked by mutual respect and understanding.

As the days go by, while they harvest pears and tend to the bees, these two women share their respective wounds and seek together to find their place in a world that has left them on the margins. The rural setting, rich in terroir, wine, and honey, becomes the backdrop for a story of resilience and rebirth.

From the very first lines, the reader is captivated by the bright encounter unfolding before their eyes. This magnificent text, full of life experience, invites reflection on difference, isolation, and the search for self. The precise and accurate dialogues, as well as the restraint in the writing, make this modern coming-of-age novel even more touching. It is a true celebration of nature and an ode to difference, which Pierre Deshusses of Le Monde highlighted in his review.

Louise's Favorite, bookseller at the Athenaeum, perfectly summarizes the essence of this novel: "When a runaway teenager meets Liss, in her forties, who offers her dinner and a place to stay for the night. The teenager accepts and ends up staying more than one night in this old farm. We know little about them, only that the young girl feels good here and doesn't want to leave. A very beautiful novel about the relationship between two women, simple and pure. To be savored on the beach or with a good cup of tea!"

Translated from German by Dominique Autrand, The Scent of Old Pears is a book that will leave no one indifferent. Its bittersweet story and delicate writing make it a must-read.

Additional Information:

• Format: Pocket
• EAN13: 9782253248910
• ISBN: 978-2-253-24891-0
• Publisher: Le Livre de poche
• Publication Date: 03/27/2024
• Collection: Livre de poche (1)
• Number of Pages: 288
• Dimensions: 17.8 x 11 x 1.3 cm
• Weight: 156 g
• Language: French